By Dr Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique chaired a high-level meeting at the Suthra Punjab Authority office to review sanitation arrangements for Muharram processions and Imambargahs, as well as preparations for drain cleaning ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Director General Suthra Punjab Authority Babar Sahib Din, and Managing Directors of district Suthra Punjab agencies through a video link.

During the meeting, participants reviewed cleanliness plans for routes of Muharram processions, Imambargahs, and other religious gathering sites. Officials also discussed measures to ensure the timely cleaning and de-silting of drains across the province in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Addressing the participants, Zeeshan Rafique directed all district managing directors to finalize and submit sanitation plans within the stipulated timeframe. He announced that special Suthra Punjab teams would be deployed during the first ten days of Muharram (Ashra Muharram) to maintain cleanliness and facilitate mourners.

The minister emphasized that enhanced sanitation measures should be implemented at Imambargahs and venues hosting religious gatherings. He also instructed municipal authorities to ensure the provision of essential facilities for mourners, including the supply of cold drinking water.

Regarding monsoon preparedness, Rafique ordered that de-silting and cleaning of drains be completed before the onset of seasonal rains to minimize the risk of urban flooding and waterlogging.

He further directed Deputy Commissioners to personally supervise drain-cleaning operations and warned that any negligence or delays would not be tolerated.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from local government authorities to ensure effective sanitation management during Muharram and strengthen preventive measures ahead of the monsoon season.